COCHRANTON — On a night when the North Catholic boys volleyball team needed its best effort, it fell behind early and never recovered.

The Trojans saw their season come to an end in a Class 2A state quarterfinal against a loaded Meadville squad Friday evening at Cochranton High School.

The Bulldogs (18-0), who won the PIAA crown in 2019, swept North by scores of 25-18, 25-17 and 26-24.

“I thought my boys played a great first set,” said Trojans' coach Stacie Ball. “We didn't give them (Bulldogs) anything, they earned it. Unfortunately, there were a few things that didn't go our way. That's how it goes sometimes.”

“We kinda handed them the second set with bad passes and serves.”

North led the crucial first set early and was up 10-9 when Meadville's Charlie Waid and Julian Jones got into a groove. They combined for six kills as the Bulldogs scored 13 of the next 18 points. Jones finished the set with six of his 12 kills. Waid's night included 11 kills.

Waid was a sophomore and Jones a freshman starter on Meadville's state-title team two years ago.

“They have been consistent leaders for us all year long,” said Meadville coach Nick Bancroft. “They may not always play their best game, but they never have a bad game.

“I think defense was the biggest reason we pulled out that first set tonight,” he added. “Our guys came up with some big digs and we put the ball down in a big way.”

Andrew Ubinger had five kills in the second set for the Trojans, but the team's mistakes contributed to the Bulldogs opening up a 19-11 lead on their way to a two-set lead.

With its back against the wall, North nearly forced a fourth set. Ubinger and Ian Daugherty both came up big at the net. The latter's block pulled the Trojans even at 23.

But the final two points of the game belonged to Meadville, thanks to Jones' final kill and a North attempt that went long.

“Meadville has a very strong team,” said Ball. “They come at you from everywhere.”

Ubinger paced North with 13 kills and 10 blocks. Richard Kaminski added 15 assists and six blocks while Aiden Ward tallied 13 digs.

Jackson Decker had 10 kills for the Bulldogs.

North finishes the season with a record of 18-4.

“We won a section title, finished second in the WPIAL and were in the Elite 8 at states ... It was a phenomenal season,” said Ball. “Our senior class has done more for the program than any before.

“These boys never quit and as a coach, that's all I can ask for.”